Cervical cryosurgery
Cervical cryosurgery

Cryosurgery

Definition:
Super-freezing of tissue in order to destroy it. Used to treat malignant tumors, control pain, control bleeding, and reduce brain lesions.

Alternative Names:
Cryotherapy

Information:
The cold is introduced through a probe which has liquid nitrogen circulating through it. To destroy diseased tissue, the tissue is cooled to below -20 degrees Celsius. Other procedures that control pain or bleeding are cooled to a lesser degree to prevent tissue damage.

Review Date: 10/11/2001
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.
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